GuitarDistortedRiff
Holy Wars Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Megadeth
Megadeth · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Jackson KV Pro Dave Mustaine Signature (likely with Bill Lawrence L-500XL bridge pickup)
Pickups
Bill Lawrence L-500XL (bridge humbucker), Seymour Duncan SH-2N Jazz (neck humbucker, but not used for riff)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head into DeCuir 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1989-1990. Gear confirmed for Rust In Peace era and visible in period photos and interviews. No evidence of pedals or effects used for rhythm/riff section; signal is guitar straight into amp. Pickup and amp models confirmed by Equipboard and period interviews.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5
Gain7.5
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- razor-sharp articulation
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- scooped but present mids
- focused low end
- crisp pick attack
- dry, immediate response
- minimal ambience
- fast, staccato riffing